By Ebenezer Mabinuola
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has issued a statement addressing the arrest of activist Martins Vincent Otse, widely known as “Very Dark Man,” following a public outcry over the incident.
In a statement released on May 6, the EFCC clarified the reasons behind Otse’s arrest, which took place on Thursday, May 2, 2025, outside a Guaranty Trust Bank branch in the Garki area of Abuja.
The EFCC explained that Otse had been invited multiple times to respond to a series of petitions alleging financial malfeasance but had refused to cooperate. “The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, in the exercise of its mandate of tackling economic and financial crimes, invited Martins Vincent Otse owing to a series of petitions bordering on sundry issues of alleged financial crimes raised against him,” the statement read.
The Commission emphasized that Otse’s arrest was not a response to his vocal criticism of the EFCC or its operations, despite his history of public attacks against the agency. “While such conduct is condemnable, his arrest was not informed by such attacks. The relevant law enforcement agency will be allowed to look into them,” the EFCC clarified.
The Commission also reaffirmed its legal right to detain individuals under investigation, stating, “The EFCC has a lawful right to hold Otse in custody like any other suspect being investigated by the Commission. The appropriate Remand Order was obtained in this regard. He has been offered an administrative bail and would be released after fulfilling all the bail conditions.”
EFCC’s statement further noted that while the public’s interest in the case was appreciated, it urged Nigerians to allow the Commission to complete its investigation without undue influence or unfounded speculation. “As soon as investigations are concluded, charges will be filed,” the EFCC said, encouraging the public to refrain from insinuating motives behind the agency’s actions.
Otse’s arrest has sparked intense reactions, particularly due to his outspoken commentary on high-profile individuals in the Nigerian entertainment and political scenes, including Iyabo Ojo, Tonto Dikeh, Mercy Chinwo, and Seyi Tinubu. However, as of now, the specific details of the petition(s) leading to his arrest have not been publicly disclosed.
As investigations continue, Martins Vincent Otse remains in the EFCC’s custody, with his legal team working to secure his release after fulfilling the necessary bail conditions.
